Life & Loss Institute

Marriage Preparation

Inspire couples to build their marriage on an understanding of the Theology of the Body!  Elizabeth Ministry has put together a day-long program which provides a rich understanding of Church Teachings, amazing information on the bio-chemistry of sexuality and insights for addressing the joys and challenges of marriage and childbearing.  Couples learn about Natural Family Planning, responsible parenthood, and handling reproductive difficulties such as infertility, prenatal testing, and miscarriage according to the teachings of the Catholic Church.  The day is full of fun, laughter and Truth.  The program can be held at the Elizabeth Ministry Retreat Center in Kaukauna or your parish.

For a flier, click here.

Natural Family Planning (NFP)

For centuries, every Christian church taught that contraception is a grave sin. Couples who embrace the NFP lifestyle are often more generous with their time, talent and money.  Their marriage is strengthened and their openess to life may result in priestly vocations. 

Recent advancements in fertility research have led to the creation of highly effective methods of NFP.  Also, the popularization of the Theology of the Body has led to a clearer understanding of God's plan for human sexuality.  These two trends have led many couples to embrace the Teaching of the immorality of contraception. 

An introductory presentation at the parish is the best way to educate couples on the benefits of NFP in their marriage.  NFP teachers of Elizabeth Ministry do one hour presentations geared for engaged couples in marriage preparation programs or for adult faith formation.  Upon special request, Elizabeth Ministry can arrange panel presentations that include NFP teachers, couples using NFP and medical professionals.  It is best if the presentation is followed-up with NFP classes offered at the parish.

For a flier on an NFP presentation for engaged couples, click here.

For a printable short flier on NFP to give to engaged or married couples, click here.

(The document contains 3 fliers on a page. Help us keep costs low for couples by printing them yourself.  Elizabeth Ministry currently operates its NFP program with no budget.)

To view our NFP webpage for couples, (as well as longer NFP fliers for couples) click here.

For the Why and How to Promote NFP in your parish, click here.

Elizabeth Ministry hosts a free NFP Info Night 7pm the first Tuesday of each month.

Pastoral Care for Miscarriage, Poor Prenatal Test Results, Infertility and More

These are delicate and challenging issues, call us, we're here to help. Call us.   We also offer day-long or half day trainings for pastoral staff.  Topics covered include: NFP, acceptable medical treatments for couples suffering infertility,what to say and do for couples suffering from miscarriage and encouragement for couples that have received poor prenatal test results and more.

Our Life with Olivia NBC News coverage of things that help when a couple loses a child.

Additional Resources

We have many resources on these topics, some are available online, click here for resources.  We also have a lending library and book store.